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Cabinet Style/Size Opinions for the home
mann0mann:
Here's where I'm at - I've built two cabinets so far. One was a 2 player cocktail bartop based around 21" IPS Monitor and the other being a bartop mini virtual pinball cabinet based around an ipad. In both cases, once the projects were completed they ended up being items that just didn't work out for myself our family and home..the Cocktail bartop ended up being just alot bigger than I expected....it was huge actually and really was not as portable as I had hoped. The ipad pinball cabinet, I just never used. Both though felt a little clunky to move around, I never really had a great place to set them and play them in the house. I don't have a dedicated arcade room and they were kinda always in the way (kitchen table, coffee table, etc).
I'm ready to pull the trigger on my next project, but I just don't know what direction I want to go. I'm going to build something around an original xbox console running CoinOPs/Visionary. I've completed all the work on the console, I'm ready to go place my order for components, etc...I just have to *decide* what I want to put it all in.
I really don't want to take on a big woodworking project, so I'm thinking of these scenarios
a.) Buy a single player bartop flatpack from one of our great vendors here, go like a 19" LCD
b.) Buy a two player bartop flatpack, go with a like a 21" widescreen TV (makes it easier to hookup xbox).
c.) Build a VigoLix style cabinet and then do I go stock size (which is like a mini sit down) or scale the plans up to a full-size
d.) Find a full-size cabinet and convert
Here's my thoughts. I've built two "bartops" essentially and they didn't work out. That worries me. I do like the idea of a bartop over a big cabinet, but will I just be in the same position when I'm done? This makes me lean towards the single player bartop if anything since it would be smaller and lighter. However, my kids and I really enjoyed playing together and I think that is a big part of the fun....a very helpful member here suggested that I could allow a 2nd player on a single player cabinet by just including a wireless controller hookup on the xbox, which I did think was a smart idea.
I also think that these might just end up in the garage, it is the place where I do have more room So I wonder if a larger cabinet makes more sense. Something to stand at or use a stool?
I go around and around when I think about it. :-[ ??? :-[
I'm curious how do you guys feel about your bartops? Do they get more or less use than other style cabs in your collections. Any thoughts to the pickle that I am in? Advice or direction you could give?
I know this is a very all very subjective and I'm sure I'll get 10 responses and all be different. Which is ok. I'm just looking for some input and perspective from guys who actually own different cabs and have the experience.
Thanks for staying with me and reading...
-Mike
EMDB:
I am creating a full size cabinet but due to the wife I kept it "small". It's not that high (1.67m, 66") and deep (60 cm, 24") but still feels good to play.
The design is based on Project MAME by Rasmus Kønig Sørensen:
yotsuya:
Go with the two player bartop. Neither of your previous experiences was with a traditional bartop, so don't let that color your thinking.
JDFan:
What games do you plan on playing on it ?? -- with it being an Xbox based system if playing console games you may want to instead go with a barstick type controller that connects to a TV so that you could place it on a coffee table in front of the TV to play as console games are really designed to play sitting down rather than standing up for hours. Also since the barstick doesn't have a monitor in it they are much easier to move around the house and put away when not in use.
With Bartops esp. 2 player setups you pretty much need to have the space available to place them just like you would for a full size cab as they are not exactly portable once assembled (sure you can move them but it isn't something you'd want to have to move everytime you want to play and then move again when finished - so best to have a dedicated place for them.)
yotsuya:
--- Quote from: JDFan on November 06, 2013, 09:48:33 am ---What games do you plan on playing on it ?? -- with it being an Xbox based system if playing console games you may want to instead go with a barstick type controller that connects to a TV so that you could place it on a coffee table in front of the TV to play as console games are really designed to play sitting down rather than standing up for hours. Also since the barstick doesn't have a monitor in it they are much easier to move around the house and put away when not in use.
With Bartops esp. 2 player setups you pretty much need to have the space available to place them just like you would for a full size cab as they are not exactly portable once assembled (sure you can move them but it isn't something you'd want to have to move everytime you want to play and then move again when finished - so best to have a dedicated place for them.)
--- End quote ---
JDFan raises good points. My preference is full-size all the time (and not modified skinny or slim cabs but FULL-SIZE), but I know you were thinking bartop. If the goal is to play with kids and have it self-contained, bartop is what has worked for my extended family.
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